Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda are among the UK supermarkets removing disposable barbecues from their shelves as concern grows over the risk of wildfires. Asda became the latest chain to stop selling single-use grills this week, following similar moves by Tesco and Sainsbury's. The withdrawals are understood to have been made in line with voluntary guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The voluntary nature of the guidance means the retailers are not legally required to act. Firefighters have nevertheless warned that disposable barbecues pose a serious risk when they are placed on dry grass or left behind after cooking. Farmers and landowners have echoed those warnings, saying a single discarded grill can ignite vegetation and start a fire that spreads rapidly across large areas of land.
The retailers' decision comes as much of England faces further hot and dry weather, despite rain in some areas. The conditions have increased the likelihood of wildfires in the countryside and have given fresh urgency to calls for action. Farmers, landowners and firefighters are urging a temporary ban on disposable barbecues in England and Wales.
The appeal has been backed by the Liberal Democrats and many Labour MPs, giving it significant political support. Those supporting a ban argue that removing single-use barbecues from sale during periods of high fire risk would reduce the number of wildfires caused by careless disposal. The proposal is for a temporary prohibition rather than a permanent ban, allowing sales to resume when the immediate risk has passed.
The supermarket action is separate from the political campaign, but it points in the same direction. Major chains have already shown a willingness to follow the National Fire Chiefs Council's voluntary guidance, even though there is no legal obligation to do so. Under the arrangements, individual retailers are able to decide whether to pull the products, and the latest removals suggest that fire safety warnings are being taken seriously across the sector.
The proposed ban would apply in England and Wales only. Its supporters say a clear rule would give shoppers and retailers certainty during periods of heightened danger and ensure that the same standard applies wherever the products might be bought. The issue has gained momentum in recent days as much of the country continues to experience hot weather and the countryside remains dry.
The developments underline the pressure on both businesses and politicians to respond to the growing threat of wildfires in the UK. While a legal ban would require government action, the decisions by the supermarkets show that preventive measures can be taken without changes to the law. For consumers, the immediate consequence is that disposable barbecues are no longer on sale at several of the country's largest grocers.
